Timothy Thomas Gallaher

Timothy Thomas Gallaher

March 29, 1959 - January 17, 2024

Timothy Thomas Gallaher, 64, born March 29, 1959 in Yuma, AZ to George and Winnie Gallaher, went home to be with the Lord on January 17, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ. Tim passed peacefully with family by his side after a month-long illness.

Tim's early years were spent in Somerton, AZ where he graduated from O.L. Carlisle School. He and brother Dan, along with the Payan family brothers enjoyed many adventures in the desert and local farms - playing ball, riding bikes, listening to the music of the 70's - and spent many summers in field labor.

Tim attended Kofa High School, graduating in 1977. He was active in basketball, football, baseball, and student government in which he served as Student Body President his Senior year. Tim graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1980 with a degree in History. It was during his college years that Tim added running marathons to his athletic accomplishments.

Tim began his career in education at Houston, TX's Northland Christian School, where he taught Bible and History and coached multiple sports. It was here where Tim met his "Southern Belle", Lori Chandler, who he married in 1983.

Beginning in 1987, Tim and Lori spent 15 happy years in Palatka, FL raising their family - daughter Abbey, born in 1987 and son Alex, born in 1991 - and where Tim taught History and Economics at Palatka High School and coached basketball. It was in Palatka where Tim also first began his entrepreneurial career - first as District Manager of Little Champ markets and then as owner of a lawn care business. The family moved to Jacksonville, FL in 2002, where Tim returned to a teaching and coaching stint in private Christian schools before renewing his successful lawn care business. Tim was well respected by his students, coworkers, employers, and employees. His light-hearted nature and sense of humor were positive traits admired by all those around him.

Tim relocated to Prescott Valley, AZ in 2020 where he became a Behavior Coach at Del Rio Elementary School in Chino Valley, and where he was a positive influence on numerous children who took a liking to

"Mr. G".

Christian life was always important to Tim, from his roots at the Central Church of Christ in Yuma, AZ to his family life in FL, where they attended College Road Church of Christ in Palatka and both Argyle and Mandarin Churches of Christ in Jacksonville. And while in Prescott Valley, Tim was active in a ministry that feeds the homeless.

Tim never met a stranger. He was known for his outgoing, personable demeanor and for often helping those less fortunate whenever he could. Tim's lifelong friends - from Arizona, Texas, and Florida - were always special to him and a priority in his life. Along with sports, Tim enjoyed boating, hiking, and kayaking - especially with his son's kayak rental business. Tim enjoyed traveling adventures in Costa Rica, Peru, and Ecuador and served as a tour guide for student missionary groups.

Tim is survived by his parents, Winnie Gallaher of San Diego, CA and George Gallaher of Yuma, AZ; his former wife, Lori Gallaher of Jacksonville, FL and their children; daughter, Abigail McDonald (Mark) of Lobelville, TN and son, Alex Gallaher of Jacksonville FL; grandchildren, Olive McDonald and Adeline and Aden Myers; brother, Dan Gallaher (Cindy) of Alpine, CA; and sister, Amy Dorado of Fallbrook, CA; niece, Sara Danielle Gallaher of Seattle, WA and nephew, Gabriel Dorado of San Bernardino, CA; and partner, Brenda Cook of Prescott Valley, AZ.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Yuma, AZ, date to be determined. In-lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Del Rio Elementary, 1036 N Road 1 W, Chino Valley AZ 86323, attn: Tim Gallaher Commemoration. These donations will go toward outdoor tables near a tree planted, with a plaque, in Tim's honor, as well as toward athletic supplies and student field trips.

Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun